The Best Foods for Mobile Amusement Concessions
Amusement Park Food Ideas for Mobile Concession Stands
The layout of an amusement park lends itself to mobile concession stands. Visitors often get hungry while waiting in line for rides and attractions, and they shouldn’t have to trek to a central dining area to grab a snack. Strategic placement is key--set up food stands near the most popular attractions as well as at distant edges of the park, where tired patrons will appreciate easy access.
When it comes to building your menu, variety is essential. Offering the right concessions can keep guests happy, draw more visitors to your stand, and boost sales. Explore these top amusement park food ideas to create a menu that's both fun and profitable.
Filling Foods and Fun Snacks
At amusement parks, mobile concession stands should sell filling foods as well as tasty treats. Fun foods that can serve as a meal for visitors are especially important if outside food is not permitted at your facility. If patrons cannot pack a picnic lunch, for example, they’ll need more substantial options to fuel an afternoon of fun.
Make sure a few key stations offering filling foods like:
- Pizza
- Nachos
- Hot dogs
- Corn dogs
- Hamburgers
- Grilled sandwiches
- Fried foods
Supplement these more filling foods with lighter, easily portable snacks. For example, cotton candy and popcorn are great for a quick treat in between rides. Other amusement park snack ideas include:
- Soft pretzels
- Candy or caramel apples
- Funnel cakes
- Fudge
- Donuts
- Ice cream
- Milkshakes
Refreshing Drinks and Frozen Treats
Don’t forget the refreshments! A full day at the park means kids (and parents!) are going to get thirsty. Bottled water should be accessible at several concession stands to keep visitors hydrated--along with other beverages like soft drinks and lemonade.
But also plan on branching out to more fun thirst quenchers:
- Sno-Kones® and shave ice are traditional favorites that generate great profits
- Lemon Shake-Ups offer a delicious bit of nostalgia
- Frusheez® frozen drinks can be made in fruity flavors for the kids
- Margaritas and strawberry daquiris are enjoyable options for adults
Souvenir Snacks and Take-Home Options
Offer souvenir food items at pop-up concession stands near exits at the end of the day. To help visitors hold on to the fun memories of the day for as long as possible, encourage them to take home a reminder. Gourmet popcorn, like caramel corn or other specialty flavors, prepackaged Candee Fluff®, and even fudge can make excellent souvenirs and are easy to transport – both for you and for your customers.
Summary
These are the staples your customers will be expecting when they visit your amusement park, but don’t be afraid to try new things too. And, if your space allows, having a full-service restaurant or two is ideal for repeat visitors who may prefer a real sit-down meal on later trips. You can still offer pizza for the kids, but consider providing parents with some simple sandwich and salad options. Your health-conscious patrons will thank you!
For more food and beverage ideas for your amusement park, explore:
- Ideas for Memorable Amusement Concessions
- Water Park Concession Food Ideas
- What is the Best Food to Sell at a Festival or Fair?